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Over three years and four complete computers later (that I built myself), much of my time is spent advising people about computer hardware, reviewing computer hardware for a popular computer hardware website, playing around with overclocking computers, gaming, and sadly, very little recording. Point being, if a moron like me can build a computer, then take it apart and put it back together over a dozen times a year, I know that you can build one. I knew nearly nothing about what was in a computer case when I started. It pretty much involves merely mounting the motherboard in a case, and plugging stuff in.
Author's present overclocked AMD A64 rig. Very fast...and very quiet. It will process a 15 minute song on T-racks in about 5 seconds.
So, let's look at some major reasons for building your own rig. 1) First and foremost...you get exactly what you want. You want multiple hard drives? Most enthusiast boards will support at least 4 serial ATA drives, and another few Ultra ATA drives. (I'll explain the difference in a future article, just be assured that you can have as many drives as you can stand. IN your computer) Most cases will hold 4 optical drives, many cases five, in case one isn't enough. Or plenty of extra room for that breakout box. And something else you can build into your rig, SILENCE! That's something else I'll discuss in the future. 2) You know what is in your computer. When you buy something off the shelf, you really have no idea what you have. Mass produced rigs generally have low quality components, often use proprietary parts that allow no future upgrades due to very limited compatibility, minimal cooling, and noisy fans. The power supplies are always minimal, and usually loud. 3) Enthusiast motherboards have features not normally available on the typical mass produced computer. Serial ATA ports for one. My primary computer has 4 SATA ports, firewire, four USB 2.0 ports on the rear, and capability for four more USB 2.0 ports in the front of the case. Some motherboards have six in the rear, and capability for six up front.
Window etching on author's first build. 4) And, you can also build in some individualism. There are dozens of cases of many colors and designs available, internal lighting, external lighting, etc. 5) Last but definitely not least, you can save some money by building yourself rather than having one built, or ordering from a high-end off the shelf company like Alienware.
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